Anthony Barr is the right fit for the Texans

As the official NFL draft order remains in flux, teams are placed in interesting positions.

The Texans, for example, aren’t in an ideal position to draft a franchise QB. But, they have their choice between South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney and UCLA’s Anthony Barr. Both are extraordinary pass rushers. One is the better fit for the team’s defensive scheme.

First, it must be noted the Texans may have a different coaching staff next season. A 2-8 start to the season isn’t exactly conducive to keeping one’s job in the NFL.

The Texans currently employ a 3-4 base defense. It’s helped make J.J. Watt into arguably the NFL’s best defensive player. A new staff could come in an switch the defense to a 4-3 front. Watt would likely play well in either system, but the team would be better served to stick to the three-man front just in case. The players are already in place.

Based on the assumption the Texans would stick with the 3-4, Barr is a better fit for the system than Clowney. Clowney can be used in a variety of ways and be successful in this situation, but Barr is already an experienced 3-4 outside linebacker. He is as adept dropping in coverage as he is rushing the passer. The former running back has been one of the most disruptive defenders in the nation over the past two years.

Some would even argue Barr is every bit the prospect of Clowney. Longtime NFL scout and NFL.com contributor Gil Brandt already did.

“…I’m not sure if it were May 8, and I was directing the draft for a team with a top pick, that I wouldn’t take UCLA LB Anthony Barr over Clowney. Forget all the talk about his commitment; I’m strictly talking about his play on the field.”

Barr has been more productive this year. He has six more tackles for loss and five more sacks. And both players are the focal point of opponents’ game plans.

The Texans would certainly be in an enviable position to have their choice of Barr or Clowney.

Now on to this week’s NFL mock draft…

1. JaguarsMarcus Mariota, QB Oregon

2. Vikings
Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

3. Texans
Anthony Barr, LB UCLA

4. Falcons
Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina

5. Buccaneers
Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

6. Rams (from WASH)
Cyrus Kouandjio, OT Alabama

7. Bills
Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

8. Steelers
Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

9. Ravens
Mike Evans, WR Texas A&M

10. Browns
C.J. Mosley, LB Alabama

11. Titans
Eric Ebron, TE North Carolina

12. Raiders
Vic Beasley, DE Clemson

13. Rams
Khalil Mack, LB Buffalo

14. Chargers
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB Oregon

15. Giants
Ra’Shede Hageman, DT Minnesota

16. Packers
Stephon Tuitt, DE Notre Dame

17. Dolphins
Brandon Scherff, OT Iowa

18. Cowboys
Shilique Calhoun, DE Michigan State

19. Bears
Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M

20. Cardinals
Jace Amaro, TE Texas Tech

21. Jets
Marqise Lee, WR USC

22. Eagles
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S Alabama

23. Lions
Jason Verrett, CB TCU

24. 49ers
Martavis Bryant, WR Clemson

25. Bengals
Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech

26. Patriots
Louis Nix III, NT Notre Dame

27. Panthers
Louchiez Purifoy, CB Florida

28. Browns (from IND)
Brett Hundley, QB UCLA

29. Saints
Michael Sam, DE Missouri

30. Chiefs
DaQuan Jones, DT Penn State

31. Broncos
Kony Ealy, DE Missouri

32. Seahawks
Antonio Richardson, OT Tennessee

*Draft order was determined by current record and strength of schedule. The Jets were adjusted to fill out official draft order per the current playoff picture.